Black Polythene and Straw Mulching Boost Strawberry Yield and Quality Under Protected Cultivation

Mulching Revolutionizes Strawberry Farming in the Himalayas

Strawberries, prized for their flavor and nutrition, often suffer yield and quality losses due to climate variability and soil constraints. Now, researchers in Uttarakhand, India, have demonstrated that mulching—particularly black polythene and straw mulch—can dramatically improve soil conditions, boost yields, and enhance the nutritional quality of strawberries grown under protected cultivation systems.

This research offers climate-smart farming solutions for regions struggling with fluctuating weather patterns and the growing demand for high-quality fruit production.

Key Findings: Black Polythene vs. Straw Mulch

The study compared four treatments:

T1: No mulch (control)
T2: Silver-on-black polythene
T3: Black polythene mulch
T4: Straw mulch

1. Boosting Soil Temperature and Moisture

Black polythene mulch (T3) increased soil temperature by 3°C and retained 29.08% soil moisture, far higher than unmulched plots.
Straw mulch (T4) improved water-holding capacity and soil organic matter, supporting soil fertility.

2. Maximizing Yield and Fruit Quality

Under black polythene mulch (T3):

Flower production rose by 34%,
Average fruit weight increased to 11.96 g,
Marketable fruit yield nearly tripled (19.45 q/ha vs. 6.7 q/ha in control).

Straw mulch (T4) improved protein and carbohydrate content, enhancing the nutritional value of strawberries.

3. Enhancing Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

Black polythene mulch increased flavonoid content and antioxidant activity, boosting fruit nutraceutical quality.
Straw mulch enhanced phenolic content and supported balanced nutrient composition.

4. Climate-Smart Farming Benefits

Reduced irrigation needs due to moisture retention
Better fruit shelf life thanks to improved nutrient and antioxidant levels
Lower input costs compared to chemical interventions

Why It Matters for Farmers

Mulching offers a low-cost, eco-friendly technique for:

Adapting to climate change
Improving soil health naturally
Enhancing fruit yield and quality
Boosting farmer income through higher marketable produce

The study recommends black polythene mulch for maximum yield gains and straw mulch for improving nutritional attributes, creating a balance between productivity and sustainability.

Conclusion: Toward Sustainable Strawberry Production

The findings highlight mulching as a powerful tool for climate-resilient and quality-focused strawberry farming.

Black polythene mulch = Best for yield, fruit size, and antioxidant properties
Straw mulch = Ideal for improving soil organic matter, protein, and carbohydrate content

By integrating these practices, farmers can ensure consistent strawberry production even under unpredictable climatic conditions, paving the way for sustainable horticulture in India and beyond.